Understanding Achdut
The concept of achdut is a major concept in Jewish thought. The term Derekh Ha’Achdut means the path of unity. But it means more than that; it also means harmony and solidarity. It is an awareness of the same interests, goals, and purpose to accomplish a common goal even amidst differing beliefs and personalities. Paul (Shaul) gives us a great picture of achdut in I Corinthians 12:12 which states, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Mashiach.” This is a beautiful description of achdut. We all have a common identity, but we have a different function. However, the body of Mashiach is greatly divided today. In the United States alone there are over 200 Christian denominations in the U.S. and a staggering 45,000 globally, according to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity. But the divide is still deeper than that. This does not even take into consideration the Jewish believers in Yeshua. Again, being a part of a body means that we have the same identity, but different functions. The appropriate question to ask is: What does that have to do with the concept of achdut? In Exodus 19:6, HaShem tells Israel, through the mouth of Moses, “And you shall be to Me a kingdom of Priests.” There is a wonderful description about function found in Isaiah 49:5-6, where we read, “And now the Lord says, who formed Me from the womb to be His servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, And my God shall be my strength), indeed He says, is it too small a thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.” This is referring to Yeshua.
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Dr. Doug Wheeler has been a pastor for over 50 years and teaches the Bible from the Jewish perspective. He holds a Ph.D. in Church Administration from California Graduate School of Theology, graduating Summa Cum Laude, where one of his first professors was John Maxwell. He completed his Ph.D. under the academic supervision of Dr. Butrus Abd-al-Malik, a brilliant Princeton educator who was fluent in eight languages, including Hebrew. Dr. Malik taught for many years at Cal State as well as California Graduate School of Theology.
Dr. Wheeler has been associated with Ahavat Ammi Ministries and Yeshivat Shuvu for over 10 years and graduated with the distinction of Moreh Torah in October of 2020. He also teaches courses in Biblical Languages, Messianic Judaism, and Levels of Jewish Interpretive Methodology at Kidron Christian College and Legacy College of Ministry. Dr. Doug has been married to his wife Joyce for 35 years. They have two sons and 5 grandchildren.
Dr. Wheeler currently serves as senior pastor of Beit HaMidrash (The House of Study) and is Moreh Torah for Kehillat Yisrael in Sherwood, AR. He has authored many articles and classes, including his book “Betrothed: An Intimate Face-to-Face Walk With God.”
As a student of Hebrew, my teaching passion is to help you develop the tools for effective independent Bible study. I invite you to join this community of ministry and grow in your knowledge and understanding of God's Word!
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Email: drdoug@derekhaachdut.com